Background
Numerous clinical trials have contributed to rapid advancements in thediagnosis and management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), yet patientsoften do not undergo right heart catheterization (RHC) with vasoreactivitytesting and may receive a delayed or incorrect diagnosis. Efforts to improvestandards of care include the designation of Pulmonary Hypertension Association(PHA)-Accredited PH Care Centers (PHCCs). This study evaluated currentpractices in the diagnosis and assessment of PAH.

Methods
A survey of 167 physicians who had ≥1 claim for PAH in the past 3 months wasconducted.

Results
Of 167 respondents, 15% were affiliated with a PHCC, 40% had referred ≥1patient with diagnosed PAH, and 79% had ≥1 patient referred to them by anotherphysician who they then newly diagnosed with PAH. More than half (52%) reportedhaving ≥1 patient who was previously misdiagnosed with PAH referred to them byanother physician. RHC and vasoreactivity testing, respectively, were performedin 43% and 33% of patients with PAH who respondents referred to anotherphysician, 86% and 67% of patients newly diagnosed by respondents, and 84% and57% of patients who respondents considered accurately diagnosed prior to beingreferred to them. Respondents affiliated with a PHCC were more likely to try torefer to another physician affiliated with a PHCC, and to perform RHC andvasoreactivity testing.

Conclusions
Self-reported clinical practices often deviated from established guidelines.Future research should focus on both clinical efficacy and ways to encourageclinicians to bring their practices in line with well-supported, evidence-basedrecommendations.